Lithuania: 15,500 professional, 50,000 reserve troops by 2030

Lithuania will have 15,500 professional military personnel and 50,000 soldiers in the active reserve by 2030 under the Defence Ministry’s new plan, BNS reports. Currently, Lithuania has 13,500 professional soldiers in service. Defence Minister Laurynas Kasciunas said that the Lithuanian Armed Forces (LGP) would form a new infrantry division in phases by 2030. The division will consist of about 17,500 soldiers, including professional troops, conscripts, volunteers, and active reservists. The government plans to call more than 6,000 conscripts annually for compulsory military service as of 2027. The move would allow for transition to universal conscription as of 2028, the Defence Ministry said.